Hi everyone! I joined the site a few weeks ago after a google search brought it to my attention. I have learned so much from reading the post on here..

I am 42 yrs old and have been having the CHs on off since I was about 32. Last cycle was about 2 years ago and I thought I had beat them for good, boy I was wrong. Guess you can say I have mild attacks compared to some i I have  read on here. Mine usually about a Kip 6, and that is plenty enough pain for anyone to have to endure
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I know most people say they cant lay down but when I lay face down on the bed with a ice pack on the side of my head it helps my CH go away. Has anyone else had any luck with this.
Trying to figure out if I have been properly diagnosed. Usual CH last 45 min to hr and a half
Thanks for all the good info...
<Mike

Can't lie down.  Do end up icing though.  A lot.  I mean a lot. 

Hi Mikesc

For killing off CHs oxygen is pretty good. You can read up about it via the link on the left. It's how I abort my CHs, using a non-rebreather mask and a flow rate of 25lpm I'm normally pain free in about 5 minutes or less.

Imitrex injections are also pretty good, but expensive and you're limited by how many you can use in a day, but they can get people pain free in a few minutes.

If neither of these are available, people can find energy drinks with both caffeine and taurine (like Red Bull, Monster, etc) can help reduce pain intensity and duration, others just go for coffee.

You also mentioned doubting your diagnosis. This is something we can't confirm here, instead you need to work with a headache specialist for this to ensure that you're getting the right diagnosis and treatment.

Because we are living with a chronic disorder and you are presently not in crisis, might be a good time to seek a headache specialist, establish a relationship, so that someone is call away when the need is great.

LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

1. Search the OUCH site (button on left) for a list of recommended M.D.s.


2. Yellow Pages phone book: look for "Headache Clinics" in the M.D. section and look under "neurologist" where some docs will list speciality areas of practice.

3.  Call your hospital/medical center. They often have an office to assist in finding a physician. You may have to ask for the social worker/patient advocate.

4. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE; On-line screen to find a physician.

5. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE Look for "Physician Finder" search box. They will send a list of M.D.s for your state.I suggest using this source for several reasons: first, we have read several messages from people who, even seeing neurologists, are unhappy with the quality of care and ATTITUDES they have encountered; second, the clinical director of the Jefferson (Philadelphia) Headache Clinic said, in late 1999, that upwards of 40%+ of U.S. doctors have poor training in treating headache and/or hold attitudes about headache ("hysterical female disorder") which block them from sympathetic and effective work with the patient; third, it's necessary to find a doctor who has experience, skill, and a set of attitudes which give hope of success. This is the best method I know of to find such a physician.

6. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE NEW certification program for "Headache Medicine" by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties, an independent, non-profit, professional medical organization.
        Since this is a new program, the initial listing is limited and so it should be checked each time you have an interest in locating a headache doctor.

Bob makes an excellent point. CH is a lifetime disorder...even though we all try to convince ourselves THIS remission means they are gone for good! ;D Now's a great time to get hooked up with a specialist so you're not creamed with high KIP hits while dialing doc after doc looking for a quick appointment!

I used to lie in bed with several gallon bags of ice surrounding my head in the early days, it would keep my head from actually exploding! ;) I have since learned MUCH more efficient ways to beat beasty. 02 is still my favorite, aborts running 6-8 minutes. The best part about a fast abort is you don't get that lingering shadow that a full hit leaves you with:

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Joe